BOLTON Premier League referee Mark Halsey is targeting a New Year comeback as he continues his battle against cancer.

Halsey, 48, was diagnosed with lymphatic cancer in August - two days after refereeing Everton's opening game of the season against Arsenal.

And after more than three months away from football - during which time he has had a tumour removed from his throat and undergone chemotherapy - Halsey insists he is desperate to get back in the middle.

"It's been a long haul," said Halsey, whose wife Michelle has also been diagnosed with leukaemia.

"I've got my last set of chemotherapy today and then I get a week break followed by three weeks of radiotherapy.

"All my treatment is due to finish on December 30 and then I'll go to see a specialist and have another scan and after that we'll see where we go from there."

He added: "It's very frustrating on a Saturday afternoon when all the lads are out on the pitch and I'm sat at home twiddling my thumbs watching Soccer Saturday. But I'm hoping to be back early in the New Year and I can't wait."

Halsey also admitted he has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support he has received, especially from the average football fan.

"A lot of the top players and managers have been in touch.

"Once you're across that white line at the end of the game everyone talks to each other and everyone's friends afterwards. It's a very emotional game but a lot of things get left on the pitch."

"I've also had a fantastic response from ordinary fans," he added. "I got a letter the other day. All it said on the front was `Mark Halsey, referee, Bolton' and it arrived at my house. Fantastic. It was very emotional and overwhelming."